How to view objects with a subsurf modifier more simply?
You can check 'Optimal Display' on the subsurf modifier to simplify the view to not show the new subsurf faces:



This has to be done on every object you want to view simplified. You can do this by hand or by selecting all the objects you want to enable 'Optimal Display' on, enabling 'Optimal Display' on one of them and then right clicking on 'Optimal Display' and choosing 'Copy To Selected'.